Louise Toland’s life is a rich blend of family, compassion, and resilience. Married to Chris for 21 years and mother to three biological children—Isabella (19), Jacob (18), and Edward (15)—Louise balances family life with her role as a part-time Palliative Care Nurse Consultant. Over the past seven years, she has also embraced the role of a foster carer, opening her heart and home to around 40 children, including babies, toddlers, teenagers, and children with special needs. She has provided emergency, respite, short-term, and now long-term care, and each experience has added to the deep compassion that fuels her commitment.
The initial motivation to foster began with curiosity. “I’d always wanted to be a foster carer, even though I didn’t know much about it,” she recalls. “So, I went along to an information evening—and I’m so glad I did!” Now, caring for two girls, aged 11 and 8, Louise treasures the seemingly small moments that can mean so much to a child. “Smiling faces just from a visit to the library or the pure joy on a little boy’s face when Chris made him a paper airplane. Those moments remind you how precious simple pleasures are.” She laughs as she reflects on her journey, admitting, “I’ve learned I’m far more resilient than I ever thought possible.”
Fostering has touched her family in profound ways. Louise’s biological children have experienced a wider view of the world and gained insights they might not have otherwise encountered. "It’s not easy, though," she acknowledges, "juggling the needs of our own kids with the added needs of children who’ve experienced trauma.” She describes open conversations at home, some challenging, that have made her children more aware and compassionate. Her daughter is now studying law to work in child protection, and her son aspires to join the police force, hoping to work with vulnerable children. “I believe this experience has opened up their world. It will make them better citizens, aware of what’s really going on around them.”
For those considering fostering, Louise’s advice is clear: “Go along to an information evening and ask lots of questions. If it’s something you’d like to do, having a mentor carer at the beginning makes a huge difference. And don’t forget to seek support from other carers.” She knows fostering can be challenging, but she finds strength in being a consistent, trustworthy presence for children who often lack stability. “So many case managers come in and out of their lives, but as a foster carer, you’re often the one constant. That one person who can make a change, no matter how small.”
Louise hopes for more support and respect for foster carers. “We need a voice that’s listened to, and we should be included in Care Team meetings. Decisions for the children’s stability need to be made promptly. And honestly, if carers were valued and supported financially and practically, I’m sure more people would be willing to foster.” She believes children in care deserve equal access to health services and hopes to see improvements in funding for dental, audiology, and therapeutic support, as well as clearer pathways to Medicare and other essentials.
Despite the hurdles, Louise finds joy in fostering that money simply can’t buy. “It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted,” she says with a smile, “but fostering has given me a new purpose in life. Sometimes, even without realising it, something you did or said can sit with that child and make a real difference.” For Louise, it’s hard work—but, in her words, “It’s amazing!”
